RED Digital Cinema

RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV Camera (V-Mount) Review

Reviews
16
Score
94/100
From
MSRP $44,995
Released
January 2024

We've aggregated 16 high-signal reviews and 0 live retailer prices below.

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RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV Camera (V-Mount)
Available
Our take
Worth buyingPreliminary

Our editorial take on the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV Camera (V-Mount)

The RED V-RAPTOR XL [X] marks a significant moment in digital cinematography, representing the maturation of global shutter technology into a format with virtually no compromises. For years, cinematographers had to choose between the perfect, jelly-free motion of a global shutter and the superior dynamic range and sensitivity of a rolling shutter. The V-RAPTOR XL [X] effectively ends that debate, delivering pristine 8K images free of motion artifacts while maintaining the rich color and highlight detail that are hallmarks of the RED ecosystem. This is a camera that redefines what is possible at the highest end of image acquisition.

Beyond the groundbreaking sensor, the 'XL' designation signifies a thoughtfully designed, all-in-one studio configuration built for the rigors of professional sets. The integration of RED's first-ever electronic ND system is a massive quality-of-life and workflow improvement, removing the need for matte boxes for simple filtration changes. Combined with a full suite of professional inputs and outputs and robust V-Mount power integration, the camera is ready to perform-built for efficiency on demanding productions. While its price places it firmly in the rental house and top-tier production company echelon, the performance and feature set fully justify the investment.

Best for: High-end production companies, rental houses, and professional cinematographers needing a no-compromise, all-in-one 8K studio camera for feature films and premium commercial work.
What's great
  • Groundbreaking global shutter eliminates rolling shutter artifacts
  • Excellent dynamic range and image quality with no major compromises
  • First RED camera with high-quality integrated electronic ND filters
  • Impressive 8K resolution at high frame rates up to 120fps
  • Fully integrated, studio-ready body with professional I/O
Watch outs
  • Prohibitively high price for anyone outside of top-tier professionals
  • Large and heavy 'XL' form factor is unsuitable for lightweight setups

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.

Video reviews

Marcel Brandel3y ago
7.7K subscribers
RED V-Raptor XL 8K HONEST REVIEW
22.4K views
B\u0026H Photo Video Pro Audio2y ago
1M subscribers
RED V-RAPTOR [X] and XL [X]: Global Shutter without Compromise
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Jakob Owens5mo ago
12.2K subscribers
Why I bought the new RED V-Raptor XE 8K VV Camera
10.6K views
Advanced Media2y ago
3.1K subscribers
RED V-RAPTOR XL Product Review
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RED Digital Cinema2y ago
115K subscribers
RED TECH | V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV
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CVP2y ago
129K subscribers
How is the RED V-RAPTOR [X] SO GOOD?!
82.7K views
B\u0026H Photo Video Pro Audio3y ago
1M subscribers
RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV: Jaw-Dropping Cinema Camera!
28.2K views
Scott Balkum4y ago
12.6K subscribers
RED Digital Cinema V-Raptor 8k 120 FPS Cinema Camera Full ...
6.1K views
RED Digital Cinema3y ago
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RED TECH | V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV | Overview
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Editorial reviews

Engadget·
RED's latest 8K pro camera has a new sensor that shoots 120FPS ...

If you're the sort who regularly shoots 8K video for a living, though, this might represent a bargain if you're looking for high-end video equipment.

Read review
Dpreview·
RED's $35000 V-RAPTOR XL 8K Vista Vision camera is ... - DPReview

RED's $35,000 V-RAPTOR XL 8K Vista Vision camera is now available to pre-order.

Read review
Cined·
RED V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Lab Test - Dynamic Range and ... - CineD

At this point, I have to ask: have we entered a new era of global shutter sensors? After our Sony a9 III Lab Test, we now have the new RED V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV in our CineD lab. Using a new 8K Vista Vision global shutter sensor, we were curious to see how it fares – you, too? Then read on…

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Newsshooter·
RED TECH | ARSENAL | Welcoming V-RAPTOR XE - Newsshooter

RED welcomes the V-RAPTOR XE into the RED lineup. Cleigh Reed breaks down the entire RED arsenal, from the compact KOMODO-X to the V-RAPTOR XL.

Read review
Nofilmschool·
The RED V-Raptor Is Out in the Wild, and It's Fierce | No Film School

RED's V-Raptor camera has been making the rounds with a few lucky filmmakers, and it seems to be living up to the hype.

Read review
Bhphotovideo·
The RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV: A Jaw-Dropping Cinema Camera

Let's take a look at the RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV Cinema Camera, which boasts a 35.4MP 8K VV Sensor, up to 8K120 Video, RED's first integrated electronic ND filters, and more.

Read review
Petapixel·
RED Cuts V-Raptor X Starting Price in Half With Streamlined XE ...

The RED V-Raptor XE is a streamlined and more affordable version of the V-Raptor [X], offering a versatile and efficient option for filmmakers without sacrificing core image quality, despite some scaled-back recording options.

Read review
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Overview

About this product

The V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV Camera combines the strengths of the RED V-RAPTOR line with the global shutter of the KOMODO camera. This all-purpose camera integrates 8K resolution, a global shutter, optimal low-light performance, and high frame rate functions into a production-ready XL camera body with a V-mount battery system.

Specs

Battery
V-Mount
App Name
RED Control, RED Control Pro
Wireless
Wi-Fi
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output; 1x 5-Pin LEMO Mic/Line Input (+48 V Phantom Power)
Other I/O
1x BNC (Genlock); 1x LEMO 5-Pin (Timecode); 1x 9-Pin (Ethernet) Control/Data Input/Output; 1x USB-C
Power I/O
1x LEMO 4-Pin (19.5 to 34VDC) Input; 2x D-Tap (12VDC up to 3 A) Output; 1x LEMO 2-Pin (12VDC at 3 A) Output; 1x LEMO 2-Pin (12VDC at 1.5 A) Output; 1x LEMO 2-Pin (12VDC at 1 A) Output; 2x Fischer 3-Pin (12VDC up to 3 A) Output
Video I/O
3x BNC (12G-SDI) Output; 1x BNC (3G-SDI) Output; 1x Proprietary Output
Focus Mode
Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Lens Mount
Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL
Gamma Curve
RED IPP2
Capture Type
Video Only
Display Type
Primary Monitor: Fixed 2.4" Non-Touchscreen LCD
Image Sensor
40.96 x 21.6 mm (VistaVision) CMOS
Shutter Type
Electronic Global Shutter
Video Output
4096 x 2160 up to 60.00 fps
Audio Recording
2-Channel, 24-Bit at 48 kHz
Viewfinder Type
Support via Video Out Only
Internal Storage
No
Built-In CC Filter
No
Built-In ND Filter
Mechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2-Stop (1/4), 3-Stop (1/8), 4-Stop (1/16), 5-Stop (1/32), 6-Stop (1/64), 7-Stop (1/128) ND Filters
Internal Recording
REDCODE RAW: 8192 x 4320 up to 120 fps; REDCODE HQ/REDCODE LQ/REDCODE MQ: 8192 x 4320 up to 59.94 fps
Built-In Microphone
Mono
Image Stabilization
No
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
Internal Filter Holder
No
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: CFexpress Type B (CFast 2.0)
Advertised Dynamic Range
17 Stops
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
Yes
Effective Sensor Resolution
35.4 Megapixel (8192 x 4320)
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, Etc.)
No
In the wild

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Filmmakers and YouTubers we've spotted using the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV Camera (V-Mount) in their kit.